Monday, February 1, 2010

Mom's Legacy: a personal painting


My mom died on February 5, 2002 after a long illness. I miss her still. This is a painting I did a few years ago of Mom. I never knew her when she was young. She married late, had me at 38 and my sister at 41. Unusual back in those days. She always seemed pretty old to me. Strangely, I had my younger son Mathew at 38. So I look at him now and at myself and wonder. I don't feel all that old. But I'm the very same age my mother was when I was 21.

When I was going through my parents stuff, I found this picture. I love how the light was striking her, and how happy and healthy she looked. I think my Dad must have taken it when they were in Korea, before they got married (they met in Korea). I mulled about it for a long time. Then I painted the picture above. It's acrylic on paper. The writing on the left and right are transfers of some of Mom's recipes, in her own handwriting. Wonderful cooking was one of the ways she expressed her love for her family.

I thought I'd post this because in a few days it's going to be eight years since she died. The painting is called "Mom's Legacy".

Interestingly, I've come across several calls for entries to shows about art and healing. One is going to be at Tohono Chul, a wonderful garden and art gallery in North Tucson. I suppose the personal work I have done would fall under this category. It'll be interesting to see what kind of work is chosen for this exhibit.

4 comments:

Jayne said...

Beautiful painting!- the light is lovely and the obvious emotion behind the piece adds to the luminescence.
It certainly does fall into the category of healing... good luck with the call, this painting would make a lovely addition to the show.

Barbara Cowlin said...

Thank you, Jayne. I'm never quite sure about the personal images I do. On the one hand, they're my way of working through issues in my life, so I feel pretty exposed when I show them to other people. On the other hand, what's the point of creating something if no one ever sees it???

Art Trip said...

Enjoyed going though your blog. Love the paintings.

Barbara Cowlin said...

Thanks, Art Trip.Checked out your blog, and I'll look at your website when I have a chance. Will look forward to reading your new posts. Your satirical take on the art world is so right!